Tension is high at the Kuranze ranch in Kinango sub-county, Kwale county as unidentified individuals scramble for the community land.

The 69.5-hectare parcel, which was previously returned to the community, was designated for adjudication and future development.

Reports indicate that approximately 230 unknown people have been illegally listed for allocation of the land.
say individuals from Kilifi, Nairobi, and other parts of the country have been driving to the area in expensive vehicles in an attempt to seize some portion of the land.

Area MCA James Dawa said that the situation is the result of a rogue community member and his accomplice who have been illegally selling the community land.

Dawa said the group has been selling the land for as low Sh1,100 for 50 acres.

He noted that the situation has caused fear and disunity among locals, and it could escalate further if appropriate action is not taken. Dawa described the individual as a significant source of many troubles in the area.

“This person has been a thorn in our side and the root of our problems. If things continue this way, the situation could become even worse,” he said.

External boundary

Dawa said that the county government initially conducted external boundary identification and will soon commence the second phase of spatial planning.

The main livelihoods for Kuranze residents is mining, livestock keeping and business activities. The area is rich in minerals such as Ruby (gemstone), Copper and Green Granite among others. Dawa noted that as leaders, they aim to allocate land for local use while reserving the remainder for mining, grazing, and business activities.

He added that efforts are underway to develop a Kuranze Mining Town, mineral collection centre, wildlife corridor and an agricultural park to ensure that mineral resources fully benefit the local community and boost the regional economy.

The MCA said, despite efforts to plan for the community land, a member of the community has been acting as if they were a government official, recklessly issuing land to outsiders at almost no cost.

Dawa also alleged that the individual involved in the land grabbing has been receiving protection from certain security officers who were promised large portions of land by the culprit.

“We have reported the matter, but no legal action has been taken. Meanwhile, the perpetrators continue to sell the land and walk away unpunished,” he said.

No land available

Dawa vowed to steadfastly defend the community land, asserting that there is no land available for sale in Kuranze. He emphasized that no land will be taken away without the explicit consent of the local residents and area leaders.

Dawa criticized those seeking to buy land for Sh1,500, questioning, where on earth could land be sold at such a low price. Kuranze Chairman Mining community Ngala Mwamdzomba asked the government to take action against the perpetrators.

He said that Kuranze had been peaceful until the land issue arose, causing fear and uncertainty about the community’s future.
Mwamdzomba asserted that one person should not be allowed to terrorize the entire village and called on local authorities to take immediate action. He claimed that the perpetrator has demonstrated arrogance and acts with impunity.

Kuranze Village Chairman Justin Mwachala said the act has sent the community in shock. He said it was agreed that the land would be properly planned for development, but instead, someone is selling it without the community’s knowledge.

Mwachala called for government intervention to investigate the number of people involved in the issue, adding that the culprit appears to have powerful support.

He stated that Kuranze is a mineral-rich area that, if properly managed, could support not only Kwale’s economy but also contribute significantly to the national economy.

Mwachala emphasized that for peace to be restored and development goals to be met, the root cause of their problems must be addressed without delay.

Livestock keeper Abdi Abdillah Abdi stated that the culprit has been a persistent nuisance to the community. He added that the perpetrator has been involved in several other scandals but continues to evade law. Abdi said as grazing community they are worried because people are claiming ownership of their land.

“Where will we graze if everyone comes to say it is their land,” he said.

Abdi urged the government to take the issue seriously, noting that it is highly sensitive and could lead to bloodshed if not addressed promptly.

A local miner Niseta Mukami expressed concern about the possibility of eviction, stating that Kuranze is her only home. She said that part of her land has already been sold by the perpetrator and that further sales are ongoing. Mukami stressed that residents will not tolerate intruders stealing community land and vowed to take all necessary measures to protect it.